Feb. 2019 newsletter: $1.8 Million in 2018 Grants, Biz Monthly Feature, New Trustees

2018 Grants Total $1.8 Million, Supporting 63 Community Programs

The Horizon Foundation awarded grants totaling $1.8 million last year to programs that will help advance the Foundation’s three strategic priorities – promoting healthy kids and families, encouraging healthy aging and ensuring a more equitable community. The grants include a significant emphasis on local mental health. Read more >>

Board of Trustees Announces Officers and New Members

The Horizon Foundation Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of its officers and new members. New officers include Gregory O. Olaniran, chair; Jeanne Kennedy, vice chair; Janet Currie, treasurer; and Robin Steele, secretary.

New trustees include Sharon A. Hoover, associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and co-director of its National Center for School Mental Health; Lisa M. Pearson, director of behavioral health at Chase Brexton Health Care; Celián Valero-Colón, co-owner and physician at One World Healthcare; and David Wolf, a senior investment advisor at M&T Bank / Wilmington Trust. Read more >>

Now Hiring: Chief Financial and Administrative Officer 

We are currently hiring a Chief Financial and Administrative Officer to join our senior executive team. The ideal candidate is committed to our mission, a strategic thinker and is a creative problem-solver. The position directs multiple internal functions including finance and accounting, human resources and operations. Interested? Please apply by Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. Read more >>

Tell County Leaders You Support $3 Million in Funding for the Bikeway

We are making a difference! Our advocacy has led to increased funding the past couple years, but not enough for the Bikeway. We have new county leaders, and even if you have advocated before, it is important that you advocate for additional funding again. The Bikeway will make Howard County more bikeable and walkable for everyone, including older adults, communities of color and low-income families. But the county must invest in building the Bikeway to make this a reality. Tell county leaders you want $3 million in funding for the Bikeway and a more bikeable, walkable Howard County. Take action now>>

Biz Monthly Story on Horizon: “20 Years of Doing Good”

Horizon CEO Presents on Health, Transportation at County Council Briefings

Our CEO Nikki Highsmith Vernick was invited to present at two Howard County Council briefings over the past four weeks. On Monday, she participated in a panel on transportation, discussing the importance of investing in projects like the Bikeway and making walking and biking safe and accessible for everyone. Other speakers included representatives of the Howard County Office of Transportation and Bicycle Advisory Group. In January, she presented as part of a panel on health, discussing issues including behavioral health services and improving access to health care. Speakers at that briefing included representatives from Howard County General Hospital and the Howard County Health Department.

Watch the Feb. 4 briefing on transportation >>
Watch the Jan. 7 briefing on health >>

County Executive’s Transition Report Calls for Improvements to Bikeability, Walkability, Health, Equity

County Executive Calvin Ball’s transition report included suggested improvements for performance and services in many areas such as mental health, consumer affairs, public facilities and equity in education. The report strongly emphasized the importance of investing in high-quality, safe and accessible biking and walking infrastructure for increasing health and wellness. Horizon Foundation CEO Nikki Highsmith Vernick was appointed to the transition team in November. Read more >>